Gigi is 3 and Terrific!

Of the many lessons that I have learned from my parents I learned birthday's are important. To me a birthday is celebrated with the same kind of excitement and enthusiasm as any important holiday. The whole day should be filled with examples of how life is better with you in the world. However, Stephen looks at the celebration of birthdays a little different. I think he agrees that it is a day to treat the birthday boy or girl special, but I know he would be happy with simple cake and ice cream and that's that. Though I agree that not every year do we need to go over the top. I haven't quite figured out which birthdays should be the whole production and which should be more simple. So, for Gigi, we have had one simple year and two pretty big celebrations. But I loved the planning and carrying out of her party. I really love all the work and time that I get to put into every detail. It is so nice to have a creative outlet.  This year, my parents offered to pay for the party as their gift to G. We were happy to accept that gift and get to work. It was also fun because then they were excited to hear how their money was being spent. Knowing that it was their money and not mine I tried my best to keep it reasonable.

Gigi decided that the theme would be Princess Tea Party. I then went to work. I looked at tons of websites and pictures. I asked around and payed attention to what was going on at other party's. Then I came up with ideas that I liked and how I wanted to carry out the big day.

At age 3, kids need structure and varied activities. So I came up with different activities that I wanted to do and then put together a schedule. In the invitation the girls invited were encouraged to attend the party in Princess attire.  When they arrived at the party they had their picture taken with the birthday girl and then came up to the party room where they decorated a tiara to wear for the party.  It was so fun to see each girl dressed for the event.  Gigi invited several girls and most of them came.  I was surprised to see there were no repeat princesses.  That is a good sign.  After the first craft they played musical chairs.  We put pillows on the ground for the chairs.  At Gigi's age I learned very quickly that winners and losers are not an understandable concepts.  So...everyone won.  We kept enough pillows in the circle for each girl and they had fun going around in circles and sitting down quickly.  After this fun game the girls made a beaded bracelet.  It was nice that we can so many moms stick around and help their little girl with her craft.  After the bracelet it was time for the main event.  The tea.  I made little sandwiches and fruit and Gigi's favorite chip, Cheetos Puffs.  Then the kids drank pink lemonade from a tiny little tea set.  It was darling.  I taught the little girls to clink their cups and drink with their pinkies in the air.  After the feeding was over it was time to open presents.  Gigi got lovely gifts all of which were right on theme.  Then it was almost time to go.  So we had cake!  As the kids were eating their cake I read to them from a Princess book.  We were going to read Pinkalicious (Gigi's favorite book) but I couldn't find it for some odd reason.  Luckily one insightful friend (or mom) gave Gigi the cutest princess story book.  So I read to the kids from that book.  While I read the kids ate their pink cupcakes.  After the story was over Gigi helped give the kids their party bags and a balloon and off they went.  Done.

I think it really turned out so nice.  Gigi was a gracious hostess.  She seemed to include her friends and have a great time.  She insisted that Coco be awake during the party (he still takes two naps a day and is bed by 8 pm) and she asked that he wear his dragon costume.  Bubba wore a crown he won at a carnival and I threw together a fancy gown using a slip from my wedding dress and a bridesmaid dress.  Why didn't I think of this on Halloween I do not know.  But it was fun that the whole family was dressed up and working together.  Stephen even found the cutest little princess rings that we used for toppers on the cupcakes.  I used all the creativity I had left and made teacups and saucers out of marshmallows and sugar cookies dipped in melting candy.  They were just a dessert option but they were pretty cute. 

Gigi is the best!  I am so glad she let me put this together for her.  Next year maybe pirates or western.  Then the kids can have a joint party.  We shall see. :)